Interchangeable personal bag

ABSTRACT

Embodiments are described of methods and systems for interchangeable personal bags, such as shoulder bags, hand bags, totes, purses, clutches, and the like. Personal bags of the present teachings can be adapted to change their appearance. According to various embodiments, a first personal bag can be placed within a compartment, pocket, etc. of a second personal bag (or receiving bag), with a flap of the first bag covering at least a portion of an exterior side of the second bag, wherein the outward appearance of the flap of the first bag differs from that of the covered portion of the exterior side of the second bag. The exterior appearance of the second bag can thereby be changed.

FIELD

The present teachings relate to the field of personal bags, and personal bags such as shoulder bags, hand bags, totes, purses, clutches, and the like, that are adapted to change appearances.

INTRODUCTION

Personal bags are ubiquitous, both as items of utility and as fashion accessories. When using a personal bag, such as, for example, a purse, it can in some circumstances be desirable to possess a variety of different colors, materials, and/or styles so as to be able to match a personal bag with a particular clothing ensemble or activity. Unfortunately, it is often inconvenient and time consuming to switch between personal bags as it typically involves cleaning out one's belongings from a first personal bag and transferring them to a second personal bag. Moreover, an adequate collection of personal bags to match all of one's clothing ensembles and activities can be expensive. Due to the aforementioned factors, it is often the case that a user simply utilizes a single personal bag, regardless of whether or not the personal bag is appropriate for a plurality of different outfits and activities.

As such, it would be advantageous to have personal bag methods and systems that overcame one or more of the aforementioned drawbacks and inefficiencies of the known personal bag designs.

SUMMARY

A non-limiting summary of various aspects of the present teachings, in accordance with various embodiments, is provided next.

The present teachings provide, among other things, methods and systems for changing the appearance of a personal bag. Various embodiments provide, for example, interchangeable shoulder bags, hand bags, totes, purses, clutches, and the like.

Various aspects of the present teachings relate to methods for interchangeable personal bags. For example, according to various embodiments, an exemplary method of the present teachings can comprise: receiving a first personal bag inside a second personal bag (or receiving bag); and, folding a flap of the first bag so that a first exterior surface of the flap contacts and covers, or masks, at least a portion of an exterior surface of the second bag; wherein the appearance of a second exterior surface of the flap, opposing the first exterior surface of the flap, differs from that of the covered, or masked, portion of the exterior surface of the second bag; whereby the exterior appearance of the second bag is changed.

In various embodiments, the first bag is received in a compartment, such as the main compartment, of the second bag. In some embodiments, the first bag is received inside a pocket of the second bag. The pocket can be located, for example, in a compartment, such as the main compartment, of the second bag. In various embodiments, the pocket is located on a sidewall of the second bag. For example, according to various embodiments, the pocket is on the exterior side of the sidewall. According to some embodiments, the pocket is on the interior side of the sidewall.

In accordance with various embodiments, after folding the flap, the first bag is substantially open. According to some embodiments, after folding the flap, the first bag is substantially closed.

In various embodiments, the changed exterior of the second bag comprises at least a portion of the exterior surface proximate the flap. In some embodiments, the changed exterior of the second bag comprises at least a portion of the exterior surface distal from the flap.

According to various embodiments, the method further comprises the step of receiving an edge portion or region of the folded flap within a retaining channel, slot, or pocket on the exterior of the second bag. Alternatively, or in addition, fastening means can be employed to retain the folded flap; e.g., zippers, buttons, snaps, magnets, hook-and-loop fasteners, and the like.

In several of its aspects, the present teachings relate to a method for changing the appearance of a personal bag. According to various embodiments, the method can comprise: placing a first personal bag inside a second personal bag (or receiving bag), with a flap of the first bag covering or masking at least a portion or region of an exterior side of the second bag; wherein the outward appearance of the flap of the first bag differs from that of the covered or masked portion of the exterior side of the second bag; whereby the exterior appearance of the second bag is changed.

According to various embodiments, the method further comprises removably receiving, and optionally retaining, an edge of the flap in a channel, slot, or pocket on the exterior side of the second bag.

Further aspects of the present teachings relate to interchangeable bag systems. In accordance with various embodiments, an exemplary system can comprise: a first personal bag, comprising a flap including a first surface having a first appearance; and, a second personal bag (or receiving bag), comprising an exterior surface having a second appearance differing from the first appearance; wherein the first bag is receivable within the second bag, and wherein the flap is foldable such that the flap can cover or mask at least a portion of the exterior surface of the second bag with its first surface facing outwardly.

In various embodiments, the fold is a rearward fold. In some embodiments, the fold is a forward fold. In various embodiments, the fold can be utilized for both forward and rearward folds.

According to various embodiments, the system further comprises a channel, slot, or pocket on the exterior of the second bag for removably receiving, and optionally and retaining, an edge of the flap when folded.

According to various embodiments, an interchangeable bag system can comprise: a first personal bag (or receiving bag) comprising opposing sidewalls defining an interior and an exterior; a second personal bag removably receivable within the interior of the first personal bag; and, a flap extending along an upper region of the second bag; wherein the flap is configured for covering or masking at least a portion of the exterior side of one of the sidewalls of the first bag when received in the first bag.

According to various embodiments, the outward appearance of the flap differs from that of the exterior sides of the sidewalls of the first bag.

In various embodiments, the system further comprises an upper edge of one of the sidewalls, with the flap draped over the upper edge. The flap can be, for example, free hanging. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the flap is inserted into a channel, slot, or pocket.

In various embodiments, the system further comprises an elongate slit extending along one of the sidewalls, with the flap passed through the slit.

In accordance with various embodiments, a method for changing the appearance of a personal bag, can comprise: providing a first personal bag, comprising a flap including a first surface having a first appearance; providing a second personal bag (or receiving bag), receiving the first bag, comprising an exterior surface having a second appearance differing from the first appearance; and, folding the flap so that it lies against and covers or obscures or masks at least a portion of the exterior surface of the second bag with its first surface facing outwardly; whereby the exterior appearance of the second bag is changed.

In various embodiments, the changed exterior surface of the second bag comprises the exterior surface proximate the flap. In some embodiments, the changed exterior surface of the second bag comprises the exterior surface distal from the flap.

According to various embodiments, a method for an interchangeable bag system can comprise: providing a first personal bag (or receiving bag) comprising two opposing sidewalls, each including an interior and an exterior; providing a second personal bag comprising two opposing sidewalls and a flap along an upper region of one of its sidewalls; and, receiving the second bag within the first bag, with the flap of the second bag covering or masking at least a portion of at least one of the exterior sidewalls of the first bag.

In various embodiments, the method further comprises receiving a portion of the folded flap within a channel, slot, or pocket on the exterior of the first bag. In some embodiments, the channel, slot, or pocket is a retaining channel, slot, or pocket.

Various embodiments of the present teachings provide an interchangeable bag system comprising: a first personal bag (or receiving bag) comprising two opposing sidewalls, each including an interior and an exterior; a second personal bag comprising a flap; and, a region within the interior of the first bag configured for receiving the second bag, with the flap of the second bag folded over and covering or masking at least a portion of the exterior of one of the sidewalls of the first bag.

In various embodiments, the system further comprises: a channel, slot, or pocket on the exterior of the first bag for receiving an edge of the flap when folded over and covering or masking the portion of the first bag. In some embodiments, the channel, slot, or pocket is a retaining channel, slot, or pocket.

In various embodiments, the first bag is configured for removably receiving the second bag.

According to various embodiments, the flap of the second bag is folded over backwards (rearward). In some embodiments, the flap of the second bag is folded over forwards.

In various embodiments, the covered or masked portion is of the sidewall proximate the flap. In some embodiments, the covered or masked portion is of the sidewall distal from the flap.

Various embodiments of the present teachings provide an interchangeable bag system which can comprise: a first personal bag (or receiving bag) comprising two opposing sidewalls, each including an interior and an exterior; a second personal bag comprising two opposing sidewalls and a flap along an upper region of one of its sidewalls; a region within the first bag configured for receiving the second bag, with the flap of the second bag folded over and covering or obscuring or masking at least a portion of the exterior of one of the sidewalls of the first bag.

In various embodiments, the system further comprises a channel, slot, or pocket on the exterior of the sidewall of the first bag proximate to the flap configured to removably receive, and optionally retain, an edge of the flap. In some embodiments, the system further comprises a channel, slot, or pocket on the exterior of the sidewall of the first bag distal from the flap configured to removably receive, and optionally retain, an edge of the flap.

A personal bag, according to various embodiments of the present teachings, can comprise, for example, a Baguette, Barrel, Bowling bag purse, Bucket bag, Clutch, Doctor's bag, Drawstring, Half-moon, Hobo, Man bag, Messenger bag, Minaudiére, Muff, Pocketbook, Pouch, Saddle purse, Satchel, Tote, Trapezoid, and the like. In accordance with various embodiments, a personal bag can comprise a shoulder bag, hand bag, sling bag, and the like.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other embodiments of the disclosure will be discussed with reference to the following exemplary and non-limiting illustrations, in which like elements are numbered similarly, and where:

FIG. 1A is a schematic perspective view of an interchangeable purse system, including a purse comprising a flap and a receiving purse, according to various embodiments of the present teachings;

FIG. 1B is a schematic perspective view of the purse comprising a flap received within the receiving purse of FIG. 1A, with the flap of the purse comprising a flap masking an exterior surface portion of the receiving purse, according to various embodiments of the present teachings;

FIGS. 2A-2D schematically represent steps for receiving a purse comprising a flap within a receiving purse, such that the flap of the purse comprising a flap folds against an external surface of the receiving purse with the flap edges retained within channels or slots, according to various embodiments of the present teachings;

FIGS. 3A-3B are schematic, partial views showing channels or slots receiving edge regions of a flap, as well as fastening means to assist in holding the flap edge regions within the channels or slots, according to various embodiments of the present teachings;

FIGS. 4A-4B are schematic perspective views of a purse comprising a flap received within a receiving purse, with the receiving purse including a generally V-shaped pocket on its exterior into which the flap can be inserted, according to various embodiments of the present teachings; and,

FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view of a receiving purse including an elongate slit through which a flap of a purse comprising a flap can be passed and directed downward to mask a portion of an exterior surface of the receiving purse, according to various embodiments of the present teachings.

FIGS. 6A-6B are schematic perspective views of a receiving purse, provided with a pocket on the exterior side of one of its sidewalls, and a purse comprising a flap, the purse body of which can be received in the pocket of the receiving purse with its flap remaining outside the pocket such that it comes to cover or mask at least a portion of the exterior surface of the receiving purse.

DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made to various embodiments. While the present teachings will be described in conjunction with various embodiments, it will be understood that they are not intended to limit the present teachings to those embodiments. On the contrary, the present teachings are intended to cover various alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, as will be appreciated by those of skill in the art.

The present teachings provide, among other things, methods and systems for interchangeable personal bags. Personal bags contemplated herein can take a variety of forms or types. For example, without limitation, a personal bag according to various embodiments of the present teachings can comprise a Baguette, Barrel, Bowling bag purse, Bucket bag, Clutch, Doctor's bag, Drawstring, Half-moon, Hobo, Lighted, Messenger bag, Man bag, Minaudiére, Muff, Pocketbook, Pouch, Saddle purse, Satchel, Tote, Trapezoid, and the like. In accordance with various embodiments, a personal bag can comprise a shoulder bag, hand bag, sling bag, or the like.

Exemplary methods for changing the appearance of a personal bag, according to various embodiments of the present teachings, can generally comprise, without limitation, placing a first personal bag within a compartment, pocket, divided region, or the like, of a second personal bag. The second personal bag can also be referred to as a receiving bag. The first personal bag can have a flap extending along an upper region thereof. The flap of the first bag can fold over and cover or mask at least a portion of an exterior side of the second bag. The visible outward appearance of the flap of the first bag can differ from the outward appearance of the covered portion of the exterior side of the second bag. For example, one can be a first solid color or pattern, while the other can be a second solid color or pattern. Upon covering the exterior of the second bag, at least in part, with the different-looking flap of the first bag, the exterior appearance of the second bag can be changed.

Exemplary systems for changing the appearance of a personal bag, according to various embodiments of the present teachings, can generally comprise, without limitation, a first personal bag comprising a flap extending along an upper region thereof. The first bag can include a first surface having a first appearance, such as a first solid color or pattern. A second personal bag (or receiving bag) can comprise an interior region, such as a compartment, pocket, divided region, or the like, and an exterior surface having a second appearance differing from the first appearance. For example, the second appearance can comprise a second solid color or pattern. The first bag can be receivable within the interior region of the second bag, with the flap of the first bag being foldable such that the flap can cover or mask at least a portion of the exterior surface of the second bag with the flap's first surface facing outwardly. Upon configuring the system such that the exterior of the second bag is covered, at least in part, with the different-looking flap of the first bag, the exterior appearance of the second bag can be changed.

It will be appreciated that the outwardly visible region of a receiving bag, which can be covered or masked by a flap of a bag comprising a flap, and/or the outwardly visible region of a flap, which can cover or mask an exterior portion of a receiving bag, can display any color, set of colors, pattern, set of patterns, texture, textures, emblem, set of emblems, etc. According to various embodiments of the present teachings, what is displayed by one of these regions differs at least somewhat from what is displayed by the other of these regions.

In various embodiments, the outwardly visible region of a receiving bag, which can be covered or masked by a flap of a bag comprising a flap, and/or the outwardly visible region of a flap, which can cover an exterior portion of a receiving bag, can be emblazoned with emblems of any desired type. In various embodiments, one of these regions is emblazoned with one emblem while the other region is emblazoned with another, different emblem. For example, in various embodiments, one or more trademark emblems are emblazoned on one, the other, or both of these regions. In some embodiments, one or more emblems representing sports or other teams are emblazoned on one, the other, or both of these regions. In further embodiments, one or more animals, persons, articles of manufacture, machines, or the like, which may or may not be stylized, are emblazoned on one, the other, or both of these regions. Thus, in accordance with various embodiments of the present teachings, a user can choose to display one or more selected emblems on their personal bag at a given time.

In accordance with various embodiments, both the first bag comprising a flap and the second bag receiving the first bag can comprise fully functional personal bags. For example, without limitation, both bags can be fully functional purses, pocketbooks, hand bags, shoulder bags, and the like. In some embodiments, the first bag comprising a flap can be a liner. It is noted that both bags need not be the same. For example, according to various embodiments of the methods and systems of the present teachings, one bag can be a fully functional hand bag, while the other bag can be a fully functional purse. In various embodiments, one or both bags can comprise a shoulder bag. In some embodiments, one or both bags according to the present teachings can have at least one detachable strap. According to various embodiments, one or both bags can include at least one closure mechanism, such as a snap, button, zipper, or the like, along an upper opening.

Personal bags according to various embodiments of the present teachings can be of any suitable size and shape, provided that a first bag comprising a flap can be received within a region of a second bag whose external appearance is to be changed such that the flap of the first bag can cover or mask at least a portion of the exterior of the second bag. Additionally, personal bags according to various embodiments of the present teachings can be of any suitable compatible material(s), provided that one bag can comprise a first appearance and the other bag can comprise a second appearance. Suitable materials can include one or more of various fabrics, cotton, microfiber, animal skins, canvas, vinyl, plastics, blue jean, and felt, among others.

According to various embodiments, a first personal bag comprising a flap having a first selected external appearance can be received, for example, within a compartment, pocket, slot, or the like, of a second personal bag having a second selected external appearance. According to various embodiments, a pocket or slot for receiving the first bag can be disposed at any suitable location of the second bag, such as on an internal sidewall, on an internal divider, on an external sidewall, etc. Typically, according to various embodiments, the first bag is received “bottom first” into the second bag, so that at least a portion of the flap of the first bag becomes disposed at or near the upper portion or opening of the second bag. In various embodiments, a region of the flap near an upper opening of the first personal bag (which opening may or may not be open) will become situated at or near the upper opening of the second, or receiving, bag. The entire first bag can be received within the region of the second bag, or a portion of the second bag can be received within the region of the second bag.

The flap of the first personal bag, which can fold over to cover at least a portion of the exterior of the second personal bag, can be of any suitable construction. According to various embodiments, the flap can be flexible such that it can be readily foldable. In various embodiments, the entire flap or at least a majority of the flap can be flexible. In some embodiments, at least a majority of the flap can be substantially inflexible, except for a region traversing the flap generally parallel to and proximate the first personal bag, which can be flexible. In various embodiments, the flap is provided with a built-in crease to assist in folding. In other embodiments, the flap folds naturally, without any built-in crease, under its own weight along a line generally parallel to and proximate the first personal bag.

In various embodiments, the flap of the first bag is configured to fold sharply back upon itself, allowing for a sidewall of the second personal bag to situate in between, forming approximately a one hundred eighty degree turn at its fold with a very small radius. In other embodiments, the flap turns or arcs wider such that the flap's turn back upon itself is not immediate.

In various embodiments, a variety of means can be employed to maintain the positions of the first and second bags of a system, according to the present teachings, relative to one another. For example, without limitation, the flap of a first personal bag received within a second personal bag can fold over and rest upon the upper horizontal edge of a sidewall of the second bag. In various embodiments, in this regard, the flap can drape over the sidewall of the second bag and hang down and across an external surface of the second bag. This configuration can be satisfactory to hold two personal bags together in a substantially fixed relationship. Alternatively, or in addition, fastening means can be employed to maintain the positions of the first and second bags relative to one another. For example, without limitation, one or more fasteners such as buttons, snaps, zippers, hook-and-loop fasteners (e.g., VELCRO®), and the like, can be used to hold the flap and the second personal bag together. In various embodiments, buttons and/or snaps can be attached to one, the other, or both of the flap and the external surface of the second personal bag to be covered or masked. Upon bringing the flap into close proximity with the external surface, the two pieces can be buttoned and/or snapped together. Alternatively, or in addition, in various embodiments, one or more slots, channels, pockets, or the like, can be located on the exterior of the personal bag receiving the personal bag comprising a flap such that one or more peripheral portions or regions of the flap can insert therein and be held, for example, by compressive and/or frictional forces.

According to a variety of embodiments, the flap of a personal bag comprising a flap can comprise less area (surface area) than the exterior sidewall of a receiving bag that it covers or masks. As such, a portion of the outwardly visible region of an external surface of a sidewall of the receiving bag can have its appearance changed by having the flap cover it, while the uncovered portion can remain visible with its appearance unchanged. In various embodiments, the visible flap-covered portion of the receiving bag can take any desired shape, e.g., square, rectangle, triangle, polygon, etc. It should be appreciated that the shape of the visible flap-covered portion of the receiving bag can be influenced by any channels, slots, pockets, or the like, into which one or more portions of the flap are inserted. For example, without limitation, a square flap can be made to look triangular by including a generally V-shaped pocket on the exterior of the receiving bag into which the flap is inserted when folded over and laid across the exterior of the receiving bag (e.g., to assist in maintaining the bags together).

In various embodiments, the flap of a bag comprising a flap is adapted to cover greater than 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, at least 95%, and/or the entirety of the area (surface area) of the exterior sidewall of a complimentary receiving bag. In some embodiments, the flap of a bag comprising a flap is adapted to cover less than 50%, less than 40%, less than 30%, less than 20%, and/or less than 10% of the area (surface area) of the exterior sidewall of a complimentary receiving bag. In various embodiments, the flap of a bag comprising a flap is adapted to cover approximately one half of the area (surface area) of the exterior sidewall of a complimentary receiving bag.

In accordance with various embodiments, the flap of a personal bag comprising a flap, when such bag is received within a receiving bag, can be adapted to fold forwards, rearwards, or both. In various embodiments, the direction of folding can determine which surface of the flap is provided with an appearance differing from the appearance of the exterior surface of the sidewall of the receiving bag that the flap is adapted to cover or mask. For example, in various embodiments, the side of the flap opposing the side which comes to lie against the exterior surface of the receiving bag can be provided with a differing appearance. In other words, the side of the flap that remains visible after folding can be provided with a differing appearance. In some embodiments, such as those where the flap is adapted to fold both forwards and rearwards, both sides of the flap can be provided with an appearance that differs from the external surface of the sidewalls of the receiving bag.

According to various embodiments of the present teachings, a user utilizes a plurality of personal bags of a system, e.g., two personal bags, together at the same time. According to a various other embodiments, a user can choose from among the personal bags of a given system, according to the present teachings, to employ as their personal bag of choice for a particular event or time period. That is, a user may choose, in some circumstances, not to use the personal bags of a system together, but rather separately. Particularly, in a system comprising two personal bags, for example, a user may choose to use just one of the two bags at a given time. A variety of factors known to those skilled in the art can influence a user's decision-making in this regard. In an illustrative, non-limiting example, a user may choose to utilize for an evening out a first bag comprising a flap that is designed to fit within a second bag having an exterior with an appearance that differs from that of the flap. Such choice may be influenced by a factor such as the outward appearance of the first bag, including the flap, better matching the user's selected evening clothes as compared to the second bag. On another evening, it might happen that the second bag better matches the user's selected evening clothes, and so the user may choose to utilize the second bag as opposed to the first bag. It will be appreciated that this is but one of many possible examples. Thus, while the present teachings contemplate in many embodiments the use of both personal bags of a two-bag system together, it is to be noted that either personal bag of a two-bag system can be utilized individually, as desired.

While the present teachings have largely been described in connection with systems comprising two personal bags, it is noted that various embodiments of systems contemplated herein can include more than two personal bags. For example, according to various embodiments, a system can include a plurality of personal bags, with the plurality being greater than two. For example, a system can comprise three personal bags, with two of the personal bags each comprising a flap, and the third personal bag being a receiving bag. The flap of each of the bags received by the receiving bag can fold over and extend across an external surface area of the receiving bag. In various embodiments, the two bags comprising a flap can be used simultaneously within the receiving bag, so that the flap of each bag covers a respective portion of the exterior of the receiving bag. In other embodiments, the two bags comprising a flap are used separately, with the decision of which bag comprising a flap to utilize at any given time depending upon a user's needs or preference. It will be appreciated that where one or both flaps are provided with an external appearance that differs from the external appearance of the receiving bag, the outward appearance of the receiving bag can be changed.

Referring now to FIG. 1A, in accordance with various embodiments of the present teachings, a purse is denoted generally at 12. Purse 12 includes a bag portion, or purse body, 14 comprising first and second sidewalls, 16 and 18, respectively, first and second end walls, 20 and 22, respectively, and bottom portion 24. An opening 26 is provided at an upper region of purse, denoted generally at 28, opposite bottom portion 24. Purse further comprises first and second straps, 30 and 32, respectively, disposed along the upper region 28 of first and second sidewalls, 16 and 18, respectively.

As described further herein, two vertically extending slots or channels, 34 and 36, are provided on the exterior of sidewall 16 of purse 12, and one horizontally extending slot 39 spans between slots, 34 and 36.

Also shown in FIG. 1A is a second purse, 42. Similar to purse 12, second purse 42 includes a bag portion, or purse body, 43, comprising first and second sidewalls, 44 and 46, respectively, first and second end walls, 50 and 52, respectively, and bottom portion 54. An opening 55 is provided at an upper region 56 of purse 42, opposite bottom portion 54. In the depicted embodiment, purse 42 is of a strapless type. It is noted, however, that a purse including one or more straps can be employed. A flap 62 is provided, which extends from the upper region 56 of sidewall 46, over opening 55, and down across a portion of sidewall 44. Flap 62 can be integral with the purse body, or attached by any suitable means (e.g., threads and/or adhesives).

It will be appreciated that purse 42 equates to a first purse comprising a flap, as previously described, and purse 12 equates to a second, or receiving, purse, as also previously described.

The purses, 12 and 42, depicted in FIG. 1A comprise an embodiment of an interchangeable purse system. In the depicted embodiment, the system comprises first purse 42 comprising a flap 62, with the flap 62 including a first surface 64 having a first appearance (stippled); and, second purse 12 comprising an interior region 37 and an exterior surface 38 having a second appearance (clean) differing from the first appearance. As shown in FIG. 1B, the first purse 42 can be received within the interior region 37 of the second purse 12. The flap 62 of the first purse 42 is foldable such that the flap 62 can cover at least a portion of the exterior surface 38 of the second purse 12, with the flap's first surface 64 facing outwardly. In the depicted embodiment, the fold is a forward fold; however, it should be noted that embodiments are contemplated herein where the fold is a rearward fold, and the purse's flap includes a second surface, opposing the first surface, having the second appearance or a third appearance differing from the first appearance. As shown in FIG. 1B, vertical slits or channels 34, 36 and horizontal slit 39 on the exterior of second purse 12 are configured to removably receive and retain edge portions 66 of flap 62 when folded. As can readily be seen, the appearance of purse 12 is changed from what is shown in FIG. 1A to what is shown in FIG. 1B. It is noted that, in the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1A-1B, the flap folds over and across a sidewall of the receiving purse that is distal from the region where the flap extends from the purse body.

While the flap depicted in FIGS. 1A-1B extends less than the entire distance from one end wall of the purse comprising a flap to the other end wall, it is noted that the flap, in various embodiments, can extend the entire distance from one end wall to the other end wall. In some such embodiments, the receiving purse is provided with a single strap with ends that attach at respective upper regions of its end walls. Similarly, in various embodiments, a flap masking an exterior surface of a receiving purse can extend downward near or to the bottom of the receiving purse. While the flap depicted in FIGS. 1A-1B includes edge regions disposed within channels or slots on the exterior of the receiving purse, it is noted that in various embodiments the flap is free hanging, without being held in any such channels or slots. While the flap shown in FIGS. 1A-1B is continuous across its surface, it is contemplated herein that a flap can include one or more perforations, e.g., decorative or other perforations permitting portions of the underlying exterior surface of the receiving purse to be seen. In a variety of embodiments, the flap is translucent.

FIGS. 2A-2D depict a sequence of steps wherein a first purse comprising a flap is inserted into a second, or receiving purse, with the flap of the first purse being configured for covering or masking at least a portion of an exterior side of one of the sidewalls of the second purse. In the depicted embodiment, the flap 62 of the first purse 42 comprises a first appearance (stippled) while the exterior surface 38 of the second purse 12 comprises a second, different appearance (clean).

Referring now to FIG. 2A, first purse 42 can be seen positioned above second purse 12, with second purse 12 ready to receive first purse 42. In FIG. 2B, first purse 42 can be seen partially inserted into second purse 12. FIG. 2C shows first purse 42 received within second purse 12, with flap 62 extending upwardly, ready to be folded downward in the direction of the arrow. In FIG. 2D, the flap 62 of fully-seated first purse 42 is shown folded downward such that it masks a portion of an exterior surface of a sidewall 16 of second purse 12. Further in FIG. 2D, edge portions 66 of flap 62, shown in phantom, are held within slots or channels 34, 36, 39. As can be seen in FIGS. 2A-2D, the outward appearance of flap 62 differs from that of the exterior of the sidewall 16 of second purse 12 (i.e., stippled vs. clean, respectively). Thus, by way of the depicted steps, the appearance of the second purse can be changed. It is noted that, in the embodiment of FIGS. 2A-2D, the flap folds over and masks a sidewall of the receiving purse that is proximate to the region where the flap extends from the purse body.

The schematic, partial views of FIGS. 3A-3B depict an exterior sidewall 16 of a receiving purse. In this embodiment, fastening means can be employed to retain, or assist slots or channels 34, 36, 39, in retaining flap 62. As shown, snaps 68 removably attach edge portions 66 of flap within slots or channels 34, 36, 39. Alternatively, or in addition, hook-and-loop fasteners, e.g., VELCRO® (not shown), can be used to hold the flap edge portions within the slots or channels.

According to various embodiments, fastening means can be employed elsewhere to maintain the purses together. For example, and without limitation, mating hook-and-loop fasteners or snaps can be provided along the upper regions of the purse comprising a flap and the receiving purse.

Turning now to FIGS. 4A-4B, it can be seen how the shape of the visible flap-covered portion of a receiving bag can be influenced by any channels, slots, pockets, or the like, into which one or more portions of the flap are inserted. For example, as illustrated, a generally square flap 62 of a bag comprising a flap 42, as shown in FIG. 4A, can be made to look triangular, as shown in FIG. 4B, by including a generally V-shaped pocket 72 on the exterior of the receiving bag 12 into which the flap 62 can be inserted when folded over and laid across the exterior surface 38 of the receiving bag 12 (e.g., to assist in maintaining the bags together).

FIG. 5 shows a system for an interchangeable personal bag system according to various embodiments of the present teachings. In the depicted embodiment, an elongate horizontal slit 76 is disposed along a lower portion of the upper region 28 of the receiving bag 12. In various embodiments, slit 76 can be substantially parallel to and spaced-apart from a top edge of sidewall 16 of receiving bag 12. After a bag comprising a flap 42 has been received within purse 12, the flap 62 of the bag comprising a flap can be slid through the slit 76 and downward to mask at least a portion of the exterior surface of purse 12, as is shown. A slit can be formed as an elongate perforation through a sidewall 16 of a receiving purse 12, or a sidewall 16 can be modular including a lower panel 73 and an upper panel 75, with an elongate slit 76 defined by a region where an upper edge of the lower panel 73 comes into proximity with a lower edge of the upper panel 75.

Further aspects of the present teachings, according to various embodiments, are depicted in FIGS. 6A-6B. Receiving purse 12 is provided with a pocket 85 on the exterior side of one of its sidewalls 16. The purse body of the purse comprising a flap 42 can be received in pocket 85 with its flap 62 remaining outside the pocket such that it comes to cover or mask at least a portion of the exterior surface 38 of receiving purse 12, as can be seen in FIG. 6B.

All references set forth herein are expressly incorporated by reference in their entireties for all purposes.

Those skilled in the art can now appreciate from the foregoing description that the broad teachings herein can be implemented in a variety of forms. Therefore, while the present teachings have been described in connection with various embodiments and examples, the scope of the present teachings are not intended, and should not be construed to be, limited thereby. Various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present teachings. 

It is claimed:
 1. A method for changing the appearance of a personal bag, comprising: receiving a first personal bag within a second personal bag; and, folding a flap of the first bag so that a first exterior surface of the flap masks at least a portion of an exterior surface of the second bag; wherein the appearance of a second exterior surface of the flap, opposing the first exterior surface of the flap, differs from that of the masked portion of the exterior surface of the second bag; whereby the exterior appearance of the second bag is changed.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the first bag is received inside a compartment of the second bag.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the first bag is received inside a pocket of the second bag.
 4. The method of claim 3, wherein the pocket is located in a compartment of the second bag.
 5. The method of claim 3, wherein the pocket is located on a sidewall of the second bag.
 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the pocket is on the exterior side of the sidewall.
 7. The method of claim 5, wherein the pocket is on the interior side of the sidewall.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein after folding the flap, the first bag is substantially open.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein after folding the flap, the first bag is substantially closed.
 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the changed exterior of the second bag comprises the exterior surface proximate the flap.
 11. The method of claim 1, wherein the changed exterior of the second bag comprises the exterior surface distal from the flap.
 12. The method of claim 1, further comprising: receiving an edge portion of the folded flap within a retaining channel or pocket on the exterior of the second bag.
 13. A method for changing the appearance of a personal bag, comprising: placing a first personal bag within a compartment or pocket of a second personal bag, with a flap of the first bag covering at least a portion of an exterior side of the second bag; wherein the outward appearance of the flap of the first bag differs from that of the covered portion of the exterior side of the second bag; whereby the exterior appearance of the second bag is changed.
 14. The method of claim 13, further comprising: removably receiving and retaining an edge of the flap in a channel or pocket on the exterior side of the second bag.
 15. An interchangeable bag system, comprising: a first personal bag, comprising a flap including a first surface having a first appearance; and, a second personal bag, comprising an interior region and an exterior surface having a second appearance differing from the first appearance; wherein the first bag is receivable within the interior region of the second bag; and, wherein the flap of the first bag is foldable such that the flap can cover at least a portion of the exterior surface of the second bag with its first surface facing outwardly.
 16. The system of claim 15, wherein the fold is a rearward fold.
 17. The system of claim 15, wherein the fold is a forward fold.
 18. The system of claim 15, further comprising: a channel or pocket on the exterior of the second bag for removably receiving and retaining an edge of the flap when folded.
 19. An interchangeable bag system, comprising: a first personal bag comprising opposing sidewalls; a second personal bag removably receivable between said sidewalls; and, a flap extending along an upper region of the second bag; wherein the flap is configured for covering at least a portion of an exterior side of one of the sidewalls of the first bag when between said sidewalls.
 20. The system of claim 19, wherein the outward appearance of the flap differs from that of the exterior of the sidewalls of the first bag.
 21. The system of claim 20, further comprising an upper edge of one of said sidewalls, with the flap draped over the upper edge.
 22. The system of claim 20, further comprising an elongate slit extending along one of the sidewalls, with the flap passed through the slit. 